US20230320863A1 - Spinal implants with active sensing capabilities - Google Patents
Spinal implants with active sensing capabilities Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230320863A1 US20230320863A1 US18/068,140 US202218068140A US2023320863A1 US 20230320863 A1 US20230320863 A1 US 20230320863A1 US 202218068140 A US202218068140 A US 202218068140A US 2023320863 A1 US2023320863 A1 US 2023320863A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- antenna
- spinal implant
- load sensing
- electronics
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/44—Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/07—Endoradiosondes
- A61B5/076—Permanent implantations
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/56—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
- A61B17/58—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like
- A61B17/68—Internal fixation devices, including fasteners and spinal fixators, even if a part thereof projects from the skin
- A61B17/70—Spinal positioners or stabilisers ; Bone stabilisers comprising fluid filler in an implant
- A61B17/7001—Screws or hooks combined with longitudinal elements which do not contact vertebrae
- A61B17/7032—Screws or hooks with U-shaped head or back through which longitudinal rods pass
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/56—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
- A61B17/58—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like
- A61B17/68—Internal fixation devices, including fasteners and spinal fixators, even if a part thereof projects from the skin
- A61B17/70—Spinal positioners or stabilisers ; Bone stabilisers comprising fluid filler in an implant
- A61B17/7049—Connectors, not bearing on the vertebrae, for linking longitudinal elements together
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/0002—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network
- A61B5/0031—Implanted circuitry
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/45—For evaluating or diagnosing the musculoskeletal system or teeth
- A61B5/4538—Evaluating a particular part of the muscoloskeletal system or a particular medical condition
- A61B5/4566—Evaluating the spine
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/48—Other medical applications
- A61B5/4851—Prosthesis assessment or monitoring
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
- A61B5/6846—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be brought in contact with an internal body part, i.e. invasive
- A61B5/6847—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be brought in contact with an internal body part, i.e. invasive mounted on an invasive device
- A61B5/686—Permanently implanted devices, e.g. pacemakers, other stimulators, biochips
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
- A61B5/6846—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be brought in contact with an internal body part, i.e. invasive
- A61B5/6867—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be brought in contact with an internal body part, i.e. invasive specially adapted to be attached or implanted in a specific body part
- A61B5/6878—Bone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/03—Automatic limiting or abutting means, e.g. for safety
- A61B2090/037—Automatic limiting or abutting means, e.g. for safety with a frangible part, e.g. by reduced diameter
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
- A61B2562/02—Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
- A61B2562/0261—Strain gauges
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
- A61B2562/16—Details of sensor housings or probes; Details of structural supports for sensors
- A61B2562/166—Details of sensor housings or probes; Details of structural supports for sensors the sensor is mounted on a specially adapted printed circuit board
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/46—Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor
- A61F2/4657—Measuring instruments used for implanting artificial joints
- A61F2002/4666—Measuring instruments used for implanting artificial joints for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to mechanical and electrical sensor assemblies and antenna designs for implant devices, and more particularly to spinal implant systems which may be used to treat various spinal disorders.
- spinal disorders such as degenerative disc disease, disc herniations, scoliosis or other curvature abnormalities, and fractures
- spinal fusion may be used to limit motion between vertebral members.
- implants may be used to preserve motion between vertebral members.
- Implants may be disposed between two vertebral members for supporting and/or repositioning the vertebral members. Implants may also be used to facilitate a fusion process between a superior vertebrae and an inferior vertebrae.
- Longitudinal members may be attached to the exterior of two or more vertebral members to assist with the treatment of a spinal disorder. Longitudinal members may provide a stable, rigid column that helps bones to fuse, and may redirect stresses over a wider area away from a damaged or defective region. Also, rigid longitudinal members may help in spinal alignment.
- Screw assemblies may be used to connect a longitudinal member to a vertebral member.
- a screw assembly may include a pedicle screw, hook, tulip bulb connector or other type of receiver, and a set screw, among other components.
- a pedicle screw can be placed in, above and/or below vertebral members that were fused, and a longitudinal member can be used to connect the pedicle screws which inhibits or controls movement.
- a set screw can be used to secure the connection of a longitudinal member and a pedicle screw, hook, or other connector.
- the connection force and continued integrity of the connection between a longitudinal member and a pedicle screw or other connector can be challenging to monitor during and after implantation. In addition, it is difficult to monitor that an appropriate force is maintained between a set screw and a longitudinal member.
- Conventional spinal implants, load assemblies, and/or screw assemblies are not capable of sensing and transmitting the connection force between a longitudinal rod and a pedicle screw installed within a patient.
- Conventional spinal implants are not capable of sensing the stress/strain applied to the spinal implant, by, e.g., the pressure between adjacent vertebrae and/or the pressure applied by an adjacent pedicle screw, longitudinal rod, etc. Furthermore, they cannot continuously monitor and maintain a secure connection on relatively long-time frames.
- the techniques of this disclosure generally relate to spinal implants having various sensors for communicating attributes about the spinal implants when installed in patient anatomy to an external reader.
- An example implant may include an interbody cage extending in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end and in a widthwise direction from a first lateral end to a second lateral end; and an electronics portion including a housing defining a sealed cavity for supporting an electronics assembly and a battery therein.
- the implant may include at least one antenna in electrical communication with the electronics assembly; and at least one strain gauge configured to detect a localized force experienced by the interbody cage.
- the at least one antenna may be configured to transmit information received from the at least one strain gauge to an external device.
- the electronics assembly may be disposed on the side of the cage, a distal end of the cage, or inside a graft window of the cage.
- the present disclosure provides a load sensing spinal implant, including an interbody cage extending in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end and in a widthwise direction from a first lateral end to a second lateral end.
- the implant may include an electronics portion including a housing defining a sealed cavity for supporting an electronics assembly and a battery therein.
- the implant may include at least one antenna in electrical communication with the electronics assembly.
- the implant may include at least one strain gauge configured to detect a localized force experienced by the interbody cage and being in electrical communication with the electronics assembly.
- the at least one antenna may be configured to transmit information received from the at least one strain gauge to an external device.
- a load sensing spinal implant including an interbody cage extending in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end and in a widthwise direction from a first lateral end to a second lateral end.
- the interbody cage may include a graft window and an electronics portion including a housing defining a sealed cavity for supporting an electronics assembly and a battery therein.
- Disclosed implants may include an overmold portion surrounding the electronics portion thereby forming a hermetic seal.
- at least one antenna may be in electrical communication with the electronics assembly and have a size and shape that generally corresponds to a size and shape of at least one sidewall of the graft window.
- At least one strain gauge may be configured to detect a localized force experienced by the interbody cage and be in electrical communication with the electronics assembly.
- the at least one antenna is configured to transmit information received from the at least one strain gauge to an external device.
- a load sensing spinal implant including an interbody cage extending in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end and in a widthwise direction from a first lateral end to a second lateral end.
- the implant may include an electronics portion including a housing defining a sealed cavity for supporting an electronics assembly and a battery therein.
- the implant may also include at least one antenna in electrical communication with the electronics assembly, and at least one strain gauge configured to detect a localized force experienced by the interbody cage.
- the at least one strain gauge may be in electrical communication with the electronics assembly and the at least one antenna may be configured to transmit information received from the at least one strain gauge to an external device.
- the interbody cage may include an exposed cavity at a distal end thereof having a curved sidewall, and the electronics portion is disposed inside of the exposed cavity. Additionally, the housing may conform to the curved sidewall, and the at least one strain gauge may be disposed inside of the housing and have a geometry corresponding to the curved sidewall.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a spinal implant.
- FIG. 2 is a top-down view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is an exploded parts view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a first partial parts perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a second partial parts perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a spinal implant.
- FIG. 7 is an exploded parts view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 8 is a first perspective view of a third embodiment of a spinal implant.
- FIG. 9 is a second perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 10 is a first exploded parts view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 11 is a second exploded parts view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 12 is a first side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 13 is a second side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 14 is a first perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a spinal implant.
- FIG. 15 is a second perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 16 is an exploded parts view of the embodiment of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a spinal implant.
- FIG. 18 is a top-down view of the embodiment of FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 19 is a side view of a microelectronics sub-assembly and antenna for use with the embodiment of FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 17 with the microelectronics sub-assembly and antenna of FIG. 18 removed.
- FIG. 21 is an exploded parts view of the embodiment of FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 22 is an exploded parts view of the microelectronics sub-assembly and antenna for use with the embodiment of FIG. 17 .
- Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally, for example, to spinal implant systems with active sensing, microelectronics, and communication abilities. Embodiments of the devices and methods are described below with reference to the Figures.
- vertebral pedicle screw systems are disclosed.
- the components of the vertebral pedicle screw systems can be fabricated from biologically acceptable materials suitable for medical applications, including metals, synthetic polymers, ceramics and bone material and/or their composites.
- the components can be fabricated from materials such as stainless steel alloys, commercially pure titanium, titanium alloys, Grade 5 titanium, super-elastic titanium alloys, cobalt-chrome alloys, superelastic metallic alloys (e.g., Nitinol, super elasto-plastic metals, such as GUM METAL®), ceramics and composites thereof such as calcium phosphate (e.g., SKELITETM), thermoplastics such as polyaryletherketone (PAEK) including polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and polyetherketone (PEK), carbon-PEEK composites, PEEK-BaSO4 polymeric rubbers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), fabric, silicone, polyurethane, silicone-polyurethane copolymers, polymeric rubbers, polyolefin rubbers, hydrogels, semi-rigid and rigid materials, elastomers, rubbers, thermoplastic elasto-plastic metals, such as
- Various components of the vertebral implant system may be formed or constructed with material composites, including the above materials, to achieve various desired characteristics such as strength, rigidity, elasticity, compliance, biomechanical performance, durability and radiolucency or imaging preference.
- the components of the present vertebral pedicle screw system individually or collectively, may also be fabricated from a heterogeneous material such as a combination of two or more of the above-described materials.
- the components of the vertebral implant system may be monolithically formed, integrally connected or include fastening elements and/or instruments, as described herein.
- the components of the vertebral implant system may be formed using a variety of subtractive and additive manufacturing techniques, including, but not limited to machining, milling, extruding, molding, 3D-printing, sintering, coating, vapor deposition, and laser/beam melting.
- various components of the vertebral implant system may be coated or treated with a variety of additives or coatings to improve biocompatibility, bone growth promotion or other features.
- Various embodiments and components may be coated with a ceramic, titanium, and/or other biocompatible material to provide surface texturing at (a) the macro scale, (b) the micro scale, and/or (c) the nano scale, for example.
- components may undergo a subtractive manufacturing process such as, for example, grit blasting and acid etching, providing for surface texturing configured to facilitate osseointegration and cellular attachment and osteoblast maturation.
- Example surface texturing of additive and subtractive manufacturing processes may comprise (a) macro-scale structural features having a maximum peak-to-valley height of about 40 microns to about 500 microns, (b) micro-scale structural features having a maximum peak-to-valley height of about 2 microns to about 40 microns, and/or (c) nano-scale structural features having a maximum peak-to-valley height of about 0.05 microns to about 5 microns.
- the three types of structural features may be overlapping with one another.
- such surface texturing may be applied to any surface, e.g., both external exposed facing surfaces of components and internal non exposed surfaces of components. Further discussion regarding relevant surface texturing and coatings is described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
- the disclosed implant systems may be employed, for example, with a minimally invasive procedure, including percutaneous techniques, mini-open and open surgical techniques to deliver and introduce instrumentation and/or one or more spinal implants at a surgical site within a body of a patient, for example, a section of a spine.
- the vertebral implant system may be employed with surgical procedures, as described herein, and/or, for example, corpectomy, discectomy, fusion and/or fixation treatments that employ spinal implants to restore the mechanical support function of vertebrae.
- the implant system may be employed with surgical approaches, including but not limited to: anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF), oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLLIF), oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF), transforaminal lumbar Interbody fusion (TLIF), posterior lumbar Interbody fusion (PLIF), various types of posterior or anterior fusion procedures, and any fusion procedure in any portion of the spinal column (sacral, lumbar, thoracic, and cervical).
- surgical approaches including but not limited to: anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF), oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLLIF), oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF), transforaminal lumbar Interbody fusion (TLIF), posterior lumbar Interbody fusion (PLIF), various types of posterior or anterior fusion procedures, and any fusion procedure in any portion of the spinal column (s
- FIGS. 1 - 5 illustrate a first spinal implant system 100
- FIGS. 6 - 7 illustrate a second spinal implant system 200
- FIGS. 8 - 13 illustrate a third spinal implant system 300
- FIGS. 14 - 16 illustrate a fourth spinal implant system 400
- FIGS. 17 - 22 illustrate a fifth spinal implant system 500 .
- system 100 may include an interbody cage 1 having a electronics portion 20 for supporting various electronic components and sensors therein as will be explained in further detail below.
- interbody cage 1 may be integrally formed as a single monolithic component or interbody cage 1 may be an expandable cage with a superior endplate and an inferior endplate that may expand via an expansion mechanism.
- cage 1 may extend in a longitudinal direction along axis A-A from a proximal end 100 P to a distal end 100 D.
- the proximal end 100 P may have various features for grasping of the cage 1 to facilitate insertion and the distal end 100 D may generally serve as the leading edge during the insertion of cage 1 into a patient as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.
- cage 1 may extend in a widthwise direction along axis B-B from a first lateral end 100 L to a second lateral end 100 L.
- the cage 1 may include a graft window 2 (see also FIG. 3 ) and the electronics portion 20 may be disposed therein.
- the electronics portion 20 may include an electronics housing 21 and an antenna housing 22 .
- the electronics housing 21 may house any electronics componentry explained herein, e.g., battery 31 , printed circuit boards, sensors, etc.
- a battery 31 is disposed inside of the electronics housing 21 and a first pass-through connection 23 may extend through electronics housing 21 and place the battery 31 and an antenna disposed in the antenna housing 22 in electrical connection.
- a second pass-through connection 23 may extend through electronics housing 21 and place the battery 31 and a sensor in electrical connection, e.g., strain gauge 32 .
- strain gauge 32 may be disposed anywhere on cage 1 to actively sense stress and strain applied to cage 1 , e.g., by a superior vertebrae and/or an inferior vertebrae.
- strain gauge 32 is disposed on an interior sidewall of graft window 2 (see FIG. 4 ) adjacent a medial portion of cage 1 .
- strain gauge 32 may be disposed on an interior sidewall of graft window 2 adjacent a proximal end 100 P, a distal end 100 D, or plural strain gauges 32 may be disposed in any of the aforementioned relative locations.
- Either one or both of the electronics housing 21 , and the antenna housing 22 may be affixed to cage 1 by any means, e.g., a screw, pin, adhesive etc.
- the electronics housing 21 and antenna housing 22 are placed inside of the graft window 2 and then an overmold 29 surrounds the electronics housing 21 and antenna housing 22 .
- the overmold 29 may provide a hermetic seal to any component inside of the electronics housing 21 and antenna housing 22 .
- an overmold 29 is not strictly necessary to provide a hermetic seal.
- FIGS. 6 - 7 illustrate a second spinal implant system 200 .
- Spinal implant system 200 may include the same, similar, and/or substantially the same components and functionality as explained above with respect to implant system 100 and vice versa. Accordingly, duplicative description will be omitted where possible and like numbering of parts will be maintained where possible.
- cage 1 is a relatively thick cage including a graft window 2 and at least one fixation aperture 3 .
- the electronics portion 20 may be disposed on an external side surface of cage 1 rather than inside of the graft window 2 .
- the electronics portion 20 may be connected to an external and/or exposed lateral side surface 100 L of implant 200 adjacent a medial portion thereof. Referring to the exploded parts view of FIG.
- the electronics portion 20 may include a housing 21 that may define a cavity 25 therein for supporting various electronic components therein, e.g., the battery 31 and printed circuit board 33 .
- housing 21 may be attached, coupled, and or clipped onto cage 1 by inserting pin 4 through and/or into fixation aperture 3 . In this way, housing 21 may be connected to any fixation aperture 3 disposed anywhere along an exposed surface of cage 1 , including inside of the graft window 2 .
- cavity 25 of housing 21 may be hermetically sealed such that the electronics components therein will not harm a patient when the system 100 is installed within the human body.
- the battery 31 and circuit board 33 may be installed within the cavity 25 in any suitable way such that the circuit board 33 , battery 31 , are in electrical communication with a strain gauge 32 (not illustrated) and an antenna (not illustrated).
- implant system 200 includes a pass-through connection 23 which may be used to connect to a feed wire that attaches to an external sensor, antenna, electronics components, etc.
- the cavity 25 may be sealed off by cover 24 .
- Cover 24 may have a size and shape corresponding to an opening in housing 21 that exposes the cavity 25 therein. Due to the hermetically sealed nature of cavity 25 , a pass-through connection 23 having suitable waterproof flanges may extend through an aperture 26 of cover 24 (see FIG. 7 ). In this way, the pass-through connection 23 may be electrically connected to a sensor and antenna external to the housing 21 while ensuring that a hermetic seal of the electronics components within housing 21 is possible.
- the antenna, strain gauge, and other sensors are not illustrated in FIGS. 6 - 7 it shall be appreciated that any of the example antennas and example sensors disclosed herein with reference to the other embodiments may be provided with the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 - 7 .
- FIGS. 8 - 13 illustrate a third spinal implant system 300 .
- Spinal implant system 300 may include the same, similar, and/or substantially the same components and functionality as explained above with respect to implant systems 100 and 200 and vice versa. Accordingly, duplicative description will be omitted where possible and like numbering of parts will be maintained where possible.
- the electronics portion 20 is disposed inside of the graft window 2 and includes various geometrical protrusions that coordinate with geometrical indentations in the sidewall of cage 1 as will be explained in further detail below.
- FIGS. 10 - 11 illustrate first and second exploded parts views of implant system 300 .
- the housing 21 is surrounded by a molded antenna portion 22 .
- molded antenna 22 has a U-like size and shape that generally corresponds to a size and shape of the housing 21 in at least one direction.
- the molded antenna 22 may include an overmold portion such as an insulator that surrounds and/or encapsulates a conductive material such as copper for forming an antenna capable of communicating across various frequency bands.
- the insulator material may be a thermoplastic material like Polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
- the conductive portion may be formed in any suitable pattern, e.g., as a 3D helix pattern, a slotted patch pattern, a 3D spiral pattern, a 2D spiral, and/or a meandered patch pattern.
- the molded antenna 22 may include an overmold portion that surrounds and/or supports at least one type of antenna therein.
- Various antenna and communication types housed within molded antenna 22 may be, for example, MICS and BLE.
- MICS Medical Implant Communication System which may be a short-range communication technology that operates at a frequency from about 402 to 405 MHz.
- BLE may refer to Bluetooth low energy communication standard.
- At least one patch style antenna may be disposed within the antenna portion 22 , for example an overmold or insulator may surround a MICS patch, a BLE patch, and/or a Dual-band electrically coupled loop antenna (ECLA) antenna.
- an overmold or insulator may surround a MICS patch, a BLE patch, and/or a Dual-band electrically coupled loop antenna (ECLA) antenna.
- ECLA Dual-band electrically coupled loop antenna
- Implant system 300 may include a cage 1 having a fixation aperture 3 in a first sidewall and a slotted aperture 5 (also referred to as a sensing slot 5 ) in a second sidewall.
- the slotted aperture may have a geometry, size, and location configured to transfer localized stress and strain to a strain gauge 32 as will be explained in further detail below.
- the fixation aperture 3 and sensing slot 5 each extend through a corresponding sidewall of cage 1 .
- the fixation aperture and sensing slot 5 each extend through a respective sidewall of cage 1 thereby communicating with graft window 2 and the outside.
- the electronics portion 20 may include a threaded post 4 and/or set screw that secures the electronics portion 20 to the fixation aperture 3 in a sidewall of the cage 1 .
- the electronics portion 20 may include a housing 21 defining a cavity 25 therein for housing various electronics components 30 .
- the electronics components 30 may have great variability in the types of circuitry and hardware due to the relatively large size of the housing 21 and cavity 25 .
- Example electronics components may include a flexible circuit board providing an electrical connection between the battery 31 , strain gauge 32 , and the various other electronics components.
- a non-limiting list of example electronics components may include an Application Specific Integrated Controller (ASIC) 34 , micro controller 35 , a wake-up sensor, a memory storage, an impedance sensor, and a temperature sensor.
- ASIC Application Specific Integrated Controller
- the housing 21 may include a sensing protrusion 40 having a size and shape corresponding to a size and shape of the slotted aperture 5 .
- a strain gauge 32 may be disposed inside of the cavity 25 in the portion thereof corresponding to the sensing protrusion 40 .
- the strain gauge 32 may have a U-like shape corresponding in size and shape to the sensing protrusion 40 (see FIG. 11 ).
- the sensing protrusion 40 may include at least one raised and/or indented rail portion 41 extending along an outside surface of the sensing protrusion 40 . As seen best in FIGS.
- the sensing protrusion 40 may extend into the slotted aperture 5 and be snug tight against the sidewalls of the slotted aperture 5 .
- the slotted aperture 5 may include an inferior indented slot 6 (see FIG. 12 ) and a superior indented slot 7 (see FIG. 13 ).
- the indented slots 6 , 7 may correspond in size and shape to the rail portions 41 of the housing 21 such that the rail portions 41 may be disposed inside of slots 6 , 7 when system 300 is fully assembled.
- This configuration of the slotted aperture 5 , protruding portion 40 , rail portion 41 , and slots 6 , 7 may be particularly advantageous at accurately transferring stress strain experienced by the cage 1 to the u-shaped strain gauge 32 .
- FIGS. 14 - 16 illustrate a fourth spinal implant system 400 .
- Spinal implant system 400 may include the same, similar, and/or substantially the same components and functionality as explained above with respect to implant systems 100 , 200 , and 300 and vice versa. Accordingly, duplicative description will be omitted where possible and like numbering of parts will be maintained where possible.
- the electronics portion 20 may be disposed in a cavity 8 .
- the electronics portion 20 is disposed in a curved cavity 8 formed in the distal end 100 D (see FIGS. 14 - 15 ).
- the cage 1 includes a curved cavity formed in a distal end thereof.
- the electronics portion 20 includes a housing 21 having a size and shape corresponding to the curved cavity 8 of cage 1 .
- housing 21 has an elongated cylindrical shape that corresponds in size, shape, and curvature to that of the curved cavity 8 .
- Housing 21 may define a cavity 25 therein for storing various electronics components, e.g., battery 31 , micro controller 35 , strain gauge 32 , etc. may be disposed in cavity 25 .
- strain gauge 32 may be disposed on an interior sidewall 21 A of housing 21 .
- the curved shape of housing 21 , curved shape of strain gauge 32 , and curved shape of cavity 8 all correspond to one another and therefore strain gauge 32 can accurately measure the stress and strain experienced by cage 1 .
- cavity 8 can be disposed in a sidewall at a medial position, a proximal position, a distal position.
- a plural number of cavities 8 and corresponding electronics portion 20 may be provided at any of the aforementioned regions of interest.
- cover 24 may be welded and/or adhered to housing 21 to seal the cavity 25 and thereby form a hermetic seal.
- an overmold may be formed around the housing 21 (not illustrated).
- a first and second lead wire 23 A, 23 B may extend through apertures 26 A, 26 B of cover 24 .
- the first and second lead wires 23 A, 23 B may each contact a corresponding first and second terminal 28 A, 28 B of antenna 22 .
- antenna 22 may have a size and shape generally corresponding to a centerline cage 1 .
- a “centerline” may refer to a top-down view of cage 1 where a centerline traverses the oblong oval shape of cage 3 at equal distances from an interior perimeter defined by graft window 2 and an exterior perimeter defined by the outside sidewalls of cage 1 .
- antenna 22 has a size and shape that corresponds to a size and shape of cage 1 such that antenna 22 can be disposed inside of and/or surrounded by cage 1 .
- antenna 22 may be a metallic material such as copper and cage 1 may be an insulative material such as peek that is cast around antenna 22 by a mold in place process.
- the general shape of cage 1 and material selection thereof may be chosen to amplify the transmission abilities of cage 1 .
- the first and second terminals 28 A, 28 B protrude through a sidewall of cage 1 to contact the first and second lead wires 23 A, 23 B thereby placing the antenna 22 in electrical communication with the electronics portion 20 .
- the antenna 22 may be a relatively large, coiled shape having a perimeter that generally corresponds to a perimeter of cage 2 . This may have the advantage of significantly increasing the transmissibility of information to and from implant system 400 at deeper depths within the tissue of human anatomy.
- the perimeter of antenna 22 is slightly smaller than the perimeter of cage 1 on account of cage 1 generally surrounding antenna 22 (with the exception of terminals 28 A, 28 B extending through sidewall of cage 1 ).
- FIGS. 17 - 22 illustrate a fifth spinal implant system 500 .
- Spinal implant system 500 may include the same, similar, and/or substantially the same components and functionality as explained above with respect to implant systems 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 and vice versa. Accordingly, duplicative description will be omitted where possible and like numbering of parts will be maintained where possible.
- Spinal implant system 500 may be similar in principle and functionality to spinal implant system 300 shown in FIGS. 8 - 13 .
- the electronics portion 20 may be disposed inside of the graft window 2 and include various geometrical protrusions that coordinate with geometrical indentations in the sidewall of cage 1 as will be explained in further detail below.
- the housing 21 is partly surrounded by a molded antenna portion 22 having a size and shape that generally corresponds to the interior perimeter of the graft window 2 (see top-down view in FIG. 18 ).
- molded antenna 22 also has a U-like size and shape that generally corresponds to a size and shape of the housing 21 in at least one direction.
- antenna 22 may include an aperture 45 having a size and shape generally corresponding to a size and shape of protrusion 42 B of housing 21 .
- implant system 500 may include a cage 1 having a fixation aperture 3 in a first sidewall and a primary sensing slot 5 (also referred to as a primary cavity) in a second sidewall.
- the fixation aperture 3 and sensing slot 5 each extend through a corresponding sidewall of cage 1 from the graft window 2 to the outside.
- Adjacent to the primary sensing slot 5 an upper secondary sensing slot 9 A and a lower secondary sensing slot 9 B are disposed adjacent to the primary sensing slot 5 .
- the housing 21 may include a sensing protrusion 40 having a size and shape corresponding to a size and shape of the primary sensing slot 5 .
- the housing 21 may include an upper secondary protrusion 42 A and a lower secondary protrusion 42 B having a size and shape corresponding to a size and shape of the upper secondary sensing slot 9 A and lower secondary sensing slot 9 B, respectively.
- This arrangement may be particularly advantageous at transmitting stress and strain experienced by cage 1 to the housing 21 and the sensing components therein may thereby have a heightened accuracy of detection.
- a strain gauge 32 may be disposed inside of the cavity 25 in the portion thereof corresponding to the sensing protrusion 40 .
- the strain gauge 32 may have a U-like shape corresponding in size and shape to the sensing protrusion 40 .
- the sensing protrusion 40 may include at least one raised rail and/or indented rail portion 41 extending along an outside surface of the sensing protrusion 40 .
- the primary slotted aperture 5 may include an inferior indented slot 6 and a superior indented slot 7 (not visible from this viewing angle).
- the indented slots 6 , 7 may correspond in size and shape to the rail portions 41 of the housing 21 such that the rail portions 41 may be disposed inside of slots 6 , 7 .
- This configuration of the slotted aperture 5 , protruding portion 40 , rail portion 41 , and slots 6 , 7 may be particularly advantageous at accurately transferring stress strain experienced by the cage 1 to the u-shaped strain gauge 32 .
- the U-shaped strain gauge 32 may conform to the shape of the capsule or pill shaped protrusion 40 .
- the electronics portion 20 may include a housing 21 defining a cavity 25 therein for housing various electronics components 30 .
- two distinct electronics components are shown as a circuit board that are in electrical communication with battery 31 , strain gauge 32 , and antenna 22 .
- the electronics components 30 may have great variability in the types of circuitry and hardware due to the relatively large size of the housing 21 and cavity 25 .
- Example electronics components may include a flexible circuit board providing an electrical connection between the battery 31 , strain gauge 32 , and the various other electronics components.
- a non-limiting list of example electronics components may include an Application Specific Integrated Controller (ASIC) 34 , micro controller 35 , a wake-up sensor, a memory storage, an impedance sensor, and a temperature sensor.
- ASIC Application Specific Integrated Controller
- micro controller 35 micro controller 35
- a wake-up sensor a memory storage
- an impedance sensor and a temperature sensor.
- an impedance sensor protrudes into the graft window for assessing the status of a fusion process and a temperature
Abstract
Load sensing spinal implants having at least one sensor and an antenna are disclosed. An example implant may include an interbody cage extending in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end and in a widthwise direction from a first lateral end to a second lateral end; and an electronics portion including a housing defining a sealed cavity for supporting an electronics assembly and a battery therein. The implant may include at least one antenna in electrical communication with the electronics assembly; and at least one strain gauge configured to detect a localized force experienced by the interbody cage. The at least one antenna may be configured to transmit information received from the at least one strain gauge to an external device. The electronics assembly may be disposed on the side of the cage, a distal end of the cage, or inside a window of the cage.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63/329,982, titled SMART IMPLANT DESIGNS FOR HOUSING A POWER SOURCE, ANTENNA, GAUGES, AND MICROELECTRONICS, and filed Apr. 12, 2022, the entire contents therein are incorporated herein by reference in entirety. This application incorporates by reference U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 18/062,867, titled SPINAL ROD CONNECTING COMPONENTS WITH ACTIVE SENSING CAPABILITIES, and filed Dec. 7, 2022.
- The present disclosure generally relates to mechanical and electrical sensor assemblies and antenna designs for implant devices, and more particularly to spinal implant systems which may be used to treat various spinal disorders.
- Treatment of spinal disorders, such as degenerative disc disease, disc herniations, scoliosis or other curvature abnormalities, and fractures, often requires surgical treatments. For example, spinal fusion may be used to limit motion between vertebral members. As another example, implants may be used to preserve motion between vertebral members.
- Surgical treatment typically involves the use of implants and longitudinal members, such as spinal rods. Implants may be disposed between two vertebral members for supporting and/or repositioning the vertebral members. Implants may also be used to facilitate a fusion process between a superior vertebrae and an inferior vertebrae. Longitudinal members may be attached to the exterior of two or more vertebral members to assist with the treatment of a spinal disorder. Longitudinal members may provide a stable, rigid column that helps bones to fuse, and may redirect stresses over a wider area away from a damaged or defective region. Also, rigid longitudinal members may help in spinal alignment.
- Screw assemblies may be used to connect a longitudinal member to a vertebral member. A screw assembly may include a pedicle screw, hook, tulip bulb connector or other type of receiver, and a set screw, among other components. A pedicle screw can be placed in, above and/or below vertebral members that were fused, and a longitudinal member can be used to connect the pedicle screws which inhibits or controls movement. A set screw can be used to secure the connection of a longitudinal member and a pedicle screw, hook, or other connector. However, the connection force and continued integrity of the connection between a longitudinal member and a pedicle screw or other connector can be challenging to monitor during and after implantation. In addition, it is difficult to monitor that an appropriate force is maintained between a set screw and a longitudinal member. Conventional spinal implants, load assemblies, and/or screw assemblies are not capable of sensing and transmitting the connection force between a longitudinal rod and a pedicle screw installed within a patient. Conventional spinal implants are not capable of sensing the stress/strain applied to the spinal implant, by, e.g., the pressure between adjacent vertebrae and/or the pressure applied by an adjacent pedicle screw, longitudinal rod, etc. Furthermore, they cannot continuously monitor and maintain a secure connection on relatively long-time frames.
- The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to spinal implants having various sensors for communicating attributes about the spinal implants when installed in patient anatomy to an external reader.
- In one aspect, load sensing spinal implants having at least one sensor and an antenna are disclosed. An example implant may include an interbody cage extending in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end and in a widthwise direction from a first lateral end to a second lateral end; and an electronics portion including a housing defining a sealed cavity for supporting an electronics assembly and a battery therein. The implant may include at least one antenna in electrical communication with the electronics assembly; and at least one strain gauge configured to detect a localized force experienced by the interbody cage. The at least one antenna may be configured to transmit information received from the at least one strain gauge to an external device. The electronics assembly may be disposed on the side of the cage, a distal end of the cage, or inside a graft window of the cage.
- In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a load sensing spinal implant, including an interbody cage extending in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end and in a widthwise direction from a first lateral end to a second lateral end. The implant may include an electronics portion including a housing defining a sealed cavity for supporting an electronics assembly and a battery therein. The implant may include at least one antenna in electrical communication with the electronics assembly. The implant may include at least one strain gauge configured to detect a localized force experienced by the interbody cage and being in electrical communication with the electronics assembly. In various embodiments, the at least one antenna may be configured to transmit information received from the at least one strain gauge to an external device.
- In another aspect, a load sensing spinal implant including an interbody cage extending in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end and in a widthwise direction from a first lateral end to a second lateral end. In various embodiments, the interbody cage may include a graft window and an electronics portion including a housing defining a sealed cavity for supporting an electronics assembly and a battery therein. Disclosed implants may include an overmold portion surrounding the electronics portion thereby forming a hermetic seal. In various embodiments, at least one antenna may be in electrical communication with the electronics assembly and have a size and shape that generally corresponds to a size and shape of at least one sidewall of the graft window. In disclosed embodiments, at least one strain gauge may be configured to detect a localized force experienced by the interbody cage and be in electrical communication with the electronics assembly. In at least some embodiments, the at least one antenna is configured to transmit information received from the at least one strain gauge to an external device.
- In another aspect, a load sensing spinal implant including an interbody cage extending in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end and in a widthwise direction from a first lateral end to a second lateral end is disclosed. The implant may include an electronics portion including a housing defining a sealed cavity for supporting an electronics assembly and a battery therein. The implant may also include at least one antenna in electrical communication with the electronics assembly, and at least one strain gauge configured to detect a localized force experienced by the interbody cage. The at least one strain gauge may be in electrical communication with the electronics assembly and the at least one antenna may be configured to transmit information received from the at least one strain gauge to an external device. In at least some embodiments, the interbody cage may include an exposed cavity at a distal end thereof having a curved sidewall, and the electronics portion is disposed inside of the exposed cavity. Additionally, the housing may conform to the curved sidewall, and the at least one strain gauge may be disposed inside of the housing and have a geometry corresponding to the curved sidewall.
- The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a spinal implant. -
FIG. 2 is a top-down view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is an exploded parts view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a first partial parts perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a second partial parts perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a spinal implant. -
FIG. 7 is an exploded parts view of the embodiment ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8 is a first perspective view of a third embodiment of a spinal implant. -
FIG. 9 is a second perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 is a first exploded parts view of the embodiment ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 11 is a second exploded parts view of the embodiment ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 12 is a first side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 13 is a second side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 14 is a first perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a spinal implant. -
FIG. 15 is a second perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 16 is an exploded parts view of the embodiment ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a spinal implant. -
FIG. 18 is a top-down view of the embodiment ofFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 19 is a side view of a microelectronics sub-assembly and antenna for use with the embodiment ofFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 17 with the microelectronics sub-assembly and antenna ofFIG. 18 removed. -
FIG. 21 is an exploded parts view of the embodiment ofFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 22 is an exploded parts view of the microelectronics sub-assembly and antenna for use with the embodiment ofFIG. 17 . - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally, for example, to spinal implant systems with active sensing, microelectronics, and communication abilities. Embodiments of the devices and methods are described below with reference to the Figures.
- The following discussion omits or only briefly describes certain components, features and functionality related to medical implants, installation tools, and associated surgical techniques, which are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is noted that various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views, where possible. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims appended hereto because the embodiments are examples of the inventive concepts described herein. Additionally, any example(s) set forth in this specification are intended to be non-limiting and set forth some of the many possible embodiments applicable to the appended claims. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations unless the context or other statements clearly indicate otherwise.
- Terms such as “same,” “equal,” “planar,” “coplanar,” “parallel,” “perpendicular,” etc. as used herein are intended to encompass a meaning of exactly the same while also including variations that may occur, for example, due to manufacturing processes. The term “substantially” may be used herein to emphasize this meaning, particularly when the described embodiment has the same or nearly the same functionality or characteristic, unless the context or other statements clearly indicate otherwise. The term “about” may encompass a meaning of being +/−10% of the stated value.
- Referring to the disclosed embodiments generally, various vertebral pedicle screw systems are disclosed. The components of the vertebral pedicle screw systems can be fabricated from biologically acceptable materials suitable for medical applications, including metals, synthetic polymers, ceramics and bone material and/or their composites. For example, the components, individually or collectively, can be fabricated from materials such as stainless steel alloys, commercially pure titanium, titanium alloys, Grade 5 titanium, super-elastic titanium alloys, cobalt-chrome alloys, superelastic metallic alloys (e.g., Nitinol, super elasto-plastic metals, such as GUM METAL®), ceramics and composites thereof such as calcium phosphate (e.g., SKELITE™), thermoplastics such as polyaryletherketone (PAEK) including polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and polyetherketone (PEK), carbon-PEEK composites, PEEK-BaSO4 polymeric rubbers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), fabric, silicone, polyurethane, silicone-polyurethane copolymers, polymeric rubbers, polyolefin rubbers, hydrogels, semi-rigid and rigid materials, elastomers, rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoset elastomers, elastomeric composites, rigid polymers including polyphenylene, polyimide, polyimide, polyetherimide, polyethylene, epoxy, bone material including autograft, allograft, xenograft or transgenic cortical and/or corticocancellous bone, and tissue growth or differentiation factors, partially resorbable materials, such as, for example, composites of metals and calcium-based ceramics, composites of PEEK and calcium based ceramics, composites of PEEK with resorbable polymers, totally resorbable materials, such as, for example, calcium based ceramics such as calcium phosphate, tri-calcium phosphate (TCP), hydroxyapatite (HA)-TCP, calcium sulfate, or other resorbable polymers such as polyaetide, polyglycolide, polytyrosine carbonate, polycaroplaetohe, polylactic acid or polylactide and their combinations.
- Various components of the vertebral implant system may be formed or constructed with material composites, including the above materials, to achieve various desired characteristics such as strength, rigidity, elasticity, compliance, biomechanical performance, durability and radiolucency or imaging preference. The components of the present vertebral pedicle screw system, individually or collectively, may also be fabricated from a heterogeneous material such as a combination of two or more of the above-described materials. The components of the vertebral implant system may be monolithically formed, integrally connected or include fastening elements and/or instruments, as described herein. The components of the vertebral implant system may be formed using a variety of subtractive and additive manufacturing techniques, including, but not limited to machining, milling, extruding, molding, 3D-printing, sintering, coating, vapor deposition, and laser/beam melting.
- Furthermore, various components of the vertebral implant system may be coated or treated with a variety of additives or coatings to improve biocompatibility, bone growth promotion or other features. Various embodiments and components may be coated with a ceramic, titanium, and/or other biocompatible material to provide surface texturing at (a) the macro scale, (b) the micro scale, and/or (c) the nano scale, for example. Similarly, components may undergo a subtractive manufacturing process such as, for example, grit blasting and acid etching, providing for surface texturing configured to facilitate osseointegration and cellular attachment and osteoblast maturation. Example surface texturing of additive and subtractive manufacturing processes may comprise (a) macro-scale structural features having a maximum peak-to-valley height of about 40 microns to about 500 microns, (b) micro-scale structural features having a maximum peak-to-valley height of about 2 microns to about 40 microns, and/or (c) nano-scale structural features having a maximum peak-to-valley height of about 0.05 microns to about 5 microns. In various embodiments, the three types of structural features may be overlapping with one another. Additionally, such surface texturing may be applied to any surface, e.g., both external exposed facing surfaces of components and internal non exposed surfaces of components. Further discussion regarding relevant surface texturing and coatings is described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 11,096,796, titled Interbody spinal implant having a roughened surface topography on one or more internal surfaces, and filed on Mar. 4, 2013—the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Accordingly, it shall be understood that any of the described coating and texturing processes of U.S. Pat. No. 11,096,796, may be applied to any component of the various embodiments disclosed herein, e.g., the exposed surfaces and internal surfaces. Another example technique for manufacturing an orthopedic implant having surfaces with osteoinducting roughness features including micro-scale structures and nano-scale structures is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,821,000, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, an example of a commercially available product may be the Adaptix™ Interbody System sold by Medtronic Spine and comprising a titanium cage made with Titan nanoLOCK™.
- The disclosed implant systems may be employed, for example, with a minimally invasive procedure, including percutaneous techniques, mini-open and open surgical techniques to deliver and introduce instrumentation and/or one or more spinal implants at a surgical site within a body of a patient, for example, a section of a spine. In some embodiments, the vertebral implant system may be employed with surgical procedures, as described herein, and/or, for example, corpectomy, discectomy, fusion and/or fixation treatments that employ spinal implants to restore the mechanical support function of vertebrae. In some embodiments, the implant system may be employed with surgical approaches, including but not limited to: anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF), oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLLIF), oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF), transforaminal lumbar Interbody fusion (TLIF), posterior lumbar Interbody fusion (PLIF), various types of posterior or anterior fusion procedures, and any fusion procedure in any portion of the spinal column (sacral, lumbar, thoracic, and cervical).
-
FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a firstspinal implant system 100,FIGS. 6-7 illustrate a secondspinal implant system 200,FIGS. 8-13 illustrate a thirdspinal implant system 300,FIGS. 14-16 illustrate a fourthspinal implant system 400,FIGS. 17-22 illustrate a fifthspinal implant system 500. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 1-5 , a spinalinterbody implant system 100 is disclosed. As illustrated inFIGS. 1-2 ,system 100 may include aninterbody cage 1 having aelectronics portion 20 for supporting various electronic components and sensors therein as will be explained in further detail below. In various embodiments,interbody cage 1 may be integrally formed as a single monolithic component orinterbody cage 1 may be an expandable cage with a superior endplate and an inferior endplate that may expand via an expansion mechanism. As seen inFIG. 2 ,cage 1 may extend in a longitudinal direction along axis A-A from aproximal end 100P to adistal end 100D. In various embodiments, theproximal end 100P may have various features for grasping of thecage 1 to facilitate insertion and thedistal end 100D may generally serve as the leading edge during the insertion ofcage 1 into a patient as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally,cage 1 may extend in a widthwise direction along axis B-B from a firstlateral end 100L to a secondlateral end 100L. In various embodiments thecage 1 may include a graft window 2 (see alsoFIG. 3 ) and theelectronics portion 20 may be disposed therein. - Referring to
FIGS. 3-5 generally, various microelectronics may be disposed inside of thegraft window 2 ofcage 1. In this embodiment, theelectronics portion 20 may include anelectronics housing 21 and anantenna housing 22. Theelectronics housing 21 may house any electronics componentry explained herein, e.g.,battery 31, printed circuit boards, sensors, etc. In the example embodiment, abattery 31 is disposed inside of theelectronics housing 21 and a first pass-throughconnection 23 may extend throughelectronics housing 21 and place thebattery 31 and an antenna disposed in theantenna housing 22 in electrical connection. Additionally, a second pass-throughconnection 23 may extend throughelectronics housing 21 and place thebattery 31 and a sensor in electrical connection, e.g.,strain gauge 32.strain gauge 32 may be disposed anywhere oncage 1 to actively sense stress and strain applied tocage 1, e.g., by a superior vertebrae and/or an inferior vertebrae. In the example embodiment,strain gauge 32 is disposed on an interior sidewall of graft window 2 (seeFIG. 4 ) adjacent a medial portion ofcage 1. In other embodiments,strain gauge 32 may be disposed on an interior sidewall ofgraft window 2 adjacent aproximal end 100P, adistal end 100D, or plural strain gauges 32 may be disposed in any of the aforementioned relative locations. Either one or both of theelectronics housing 21, and theantenna housing 22 may be affixed tocage 1 by any means, e.g., a screw, pin, adhesive etc. In this embodiment, theelectronics housing 21 andantenna housing 22 are placed inside of thegraft window 2 and then anovermold 29 surrounds theelectronics housing 21 andantenna housing 22. In this way, theovermold 29 may provide a hermetic seal to any component inside of theelectronics housing 21 andantenna housing 22. However, anovermold 29 is not strictly necessary to provide a hermetic seal. -
FIGS. 6-7 illustrate a secondspinal implant system 200.Spinal implant system 200 may include the same, similar, and/or substantially the same components and functionality as explained above with respect toimplant system 100 and vice versa. Accordingly, duplicative description will be omitted where possible and like numbering of parts will be maintained where possible. In this embodiment,cage 1 is a relatively thick cage including agraft window 2 and at least onefixation aperture 3. Additionally, in this embodiment theelectronics portion 20 may be disposed on an external side surface ofcage 1 rather than inside of thegraft window 2. For example, theelectronics portion 20 may be connected to an external and/or exposedlateral side surface 100L ofimplant 200 adjacent a medial portion thereof. Referring to the exploded parts view ofFIG. 7 , theelectronics portion 20 may include ahousing 21 that may define acavity 25 therein for supporting various electronic components therein, e.g., thebattery 31 and printedcircuit board 33. In various embodiments,housing 21 may be attached, coupled, and or clipped ontocage 1 by insertingpin 4 through and/or intofixation aperture 3. In this way,housing 21 may be connected to anyfixation aperture 3 disposed anywhere along an exposed surface ofcage 1, including inside of thegraft window 2. In various embodiments,cavity 25 ofhousing 21 may be hermetically sealed such that the electronics components therein will not harm a patient when thesystem 100 is installed within the human body. Thebattery 31 andcircuit board 33 may be installed within thecavity 25 in any suitable way such that thecircuit board 33,battery 31, are in electrical communication with a strain gauge 32 (not illustrated) and an antenna (not illustrated). For example, in this embodiment,implant system 200 includes a pass-throughconnection 23 which may be used to connect to a feed wire that attaches to an external sensor, antenna, electronics components, etc. - In the example embodiment, the
cavity 25 may be sealed off bycover 24.Cover 24 may have a size and shape corresponding to an opening inhousing 21 that exposes thecavity 25 therein. Due to the hermetically sealed nature ofcavity 25, a pass-throughconnection 23 having suitable waterproof flanges may extend through anaperture 26 of cover 24 (seeFIG. 7 ). In this way, the pass-throughconnection 23 may be electrically connected to a sensor and antenna external to thehousing 21 while ensuring that a hermetic seal of the electronics components withinhousing 21 is possible. Although the antenna, strain gauge, and other sensors are not illustrated inFIGS. 6-7 it shall be appreciated that any of the example antennas and example sensors disclosed herein with reference to the other embodiments may be provided with the particular embodiment shown inFIGS. 6-7 . -
FIGS. 8-13 illustrate a thirdspinal implant system 300.Spinal implant system 300 may include the same, similar, and/or substantially the same components and functionality as explained above with respect to implantsystems electronics portion 20 is disposed inside of thegraft window 2 and includes various geometrical protrusions that coordinate with geometrical indentations in the sidewall ofcage 1 as will be explained in further detail below. -
FIGS. 10-11 illustrate first and second exploded parts views ofimplant system 300. In the example embodiment, thehousing 21 is surrounded by a moldedantenna portion 22. In the example embodiment, moldedantenna 22 has a U-like size and shape that generally corresponds to a size and shape of thehousing 21 in at least one direction. In various embodiments, the moldedantenna 22 may include an overmold portion such as an insulator that surrounds and/or encapsulates a conductive material such as copper for forming an antenna capable of communicating across various frequency bands. In various embodiments, the insulator material may be a thermoplastic material like Polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The conductive portion may be formed in any suitable pattern, e.g., as a 3D helix pattern, a slotted patch pattern, a 3D spiral pattern, a 2D spiral, and/or a meandered patch pattern. In various embodiments, the moldedantenna 22 may include an overmold portion that surrounds and/or supports at least one type of antenna therein. Various antenna and communication types housed within moldedantenna 22 may be, for example, MICS and BLE. As used herein, “MICS” may refer to the Medical Implant Communication System which may be a short-range communication technology that operates at a frequency from about 402 to 405 MHz. As used herein, “BLE” may refer to Bluetooth low energy communication standard. In some embodiments, at least one patch style antenna may be disposed within theantenna portion 22, for example an overmold or insulator may surround a MICS patch, a BLE patch, and/or a Dual-band electrically coupled loop antenna (ECLA) antenna. -
Implant system 300 may include acage 1 having afixation aperture 3 in a first sidewall and a slotted aperture 5 (also referred to as a sensing slot 5) in a second sidewall. In various embodiments, the slotted aperture may have a geometry, size, and location configured to transfer localized stress and strain to astrain gauge 32 as will be explained in further detail below. In the example embodiment, thefixation aperture 3 andsensing slot 5 each extend through a corresponding sidewall ofcage 1. For example, the fixation aperture andsensing slot 5 each extend through a respective sidewall ofcage 1 thereby communicating withgraft window 2 and the outside. In various embodiments, theelectronics portion 20 may include a threadedpost 4 and/or set screw that secures theelectronics portion 20 to thefixation aperture 3 in a sidewall of thecage 1. In this embodiment, theelectronics portion 20 may include ahousing 21 defining acavity 25 therein for housingvarious electronics components 30. Theelectronics components 30 may have great variability in the types of circuitry and hardware due to the relatively large size of thehousing 21 andcavity 25. Example electronics components may include a flexible circuit board providing an electrical connection between thebattery 31,strain gauge 32, and the various other electronics components. A non-limiting list of example electronics components may include an Application Specific Integrated Controller (ASIC) 34,micro controller 35, a wake-up sensor, a memory storage, an impedance sensor, and a temperature sensor. In the example embodiment, - In various embodiments, the
housing 21 may include asensing protrusion 40 having a size and shape corresponding to a size and shape of the slottedaperture 5. Additionally, astrain gauge 32 may be disposed inside of thecavity 25 in the portion thereof corresponding to thesensing protrusion 40. For example, in this embodiment thestrain gauge 32 may have a U-like shape corresponding in size and shape to the sensing protrusion 40 (seeFIG. 11 ). Additionally, in various embodiments thesensing protrusion 40 may include at least one raised and/orindented rail portion 41 extending along an outside surface of thesensing protrusion 40. As seen best inFIGS. 8-9 , thesensing protrusion 40 may extend into the slottedaperture 5 and be snug tight against the sidewalls of the slottedaperture 5. As seen best inFIGS. 12-13 the slottedaperture 5 may include an inferior indented slot 6 (seeFIG. 12 ) and a superior indented slot 7 (seeFIG. 13 ). Theindented slots rail portions 41 of thehousing 21 such that therail portions 41 may be disposed inside ofslots system 300 is fully assembled. This configuration of the slottedaperture 5, protrudingportion 40,rail portion 41, andslots cage 1 to theu-shaped strain gauge 32. -
FIGS. 14-16 illustrate a fourthspinal implant system 400.Spinal implant system 400 may include the same, similar, and/or substantially the same components and functionality as explained above with respect to implantsystems - In various embodiments, the
electronics portion 20 may be disposed in acavity 8. In the illustrated example, theelectronics portion 20 is disposed in acurved cavity 8 formed in thedistal end 100D (seeFIGS. 14-15 ). Referring to the exploded parts view ofFIG. 16 , it is shown that thecage 1 includes a curved cavity formed in a distal end thereof. Additionally, it is shown that theelectronics portion 20 includes ahousing 21 having a size and shape corresponding to thecurved cavity 8 ofcage 1. For example,housing 21 has an elongated cylindrical shape that corresponds in size, shape, and curvature to that of thecurved cavity 8.Housing 21 may define acavity 25 therein for storing various electronics components, e.g.,battery 31,micro controller 35,strain gauge 32, etc. may be disposed incavity 25. In this example,strain gauge 32 may be disposed on aninterior sidewall 21A ofhousing 21. In this way, due to the corresponding geometry ofhousing 21 andcavity 8, as explained above, stress and strain experienced bycage 1 is accurately transferred tostrain gauge 32. For example, the curved shape ofhousing 21, curved shape ofstrain gauge 32, and curved shape ofcavity 8 all correspond to one another and thereforestrain gauge 32 can accurately measure the stress and strain experienced bycage 1. This arrangement may be particularly advantageous for measuring stress and strain experienced at thedistal end 100D ofsystem 400, although it shall be understood thatcavity 8 can be disposed in a sidewall at a medial position, a proximal position, a distal position. In various embodiments a plural number ofcavities 8 andcorresponding electronics portion 20 may be provided at any of the aforementioned regions of interest. - Once the various electronics components are positioned inside of
cavity 25, cover 24 may be welded and/or adhered tohousing 21 to seal thecavity 25 and thereby form a hermetic seal. In some embodiments, an overmold may be formed around the housing 21 (not illustrated). In the example embodiment, a first andsecond lead wire apertures 26A, 26B ofcover 24. The first andsecond lead wires second terminal antenna 22. In this embodiment,antenna 22 may have a size and shape generally corresponding to acenterline cage 1. In this example, a “centerline” may refer to a top-down view ofcage 1 where a centerline traverses the oblong oval shape ofcage 3 at equal distances from an interior perimeter defined bygraft window 2 and an exterior perimeter defined by the outside sidewalls ofcage 1. For example,antenna 22 has a size and shape that corresponds to a size and shape ofcage 1 such thatantenna 22 can be disposed inside of and/or surrounded bycage 1. In at least one embodiment,antenna 22 may be a metallic material such as copper andcage 1 may be an insulative material such as peek that is cast aroundantenna 22 by a mold in place process. In other embodiments, the general shape ofcage 1 and material selection thereof may be chosen to amplify the transmission abilities ofcage 1. - As seen best in
FIG. 15 , the first andsecond terminals cage 1 to contact the first andsecond lead wires antenna 22 in electrical communication with theelectronics portion 20. In plan-view, theantenna 22 may be a relatively large, coiled shape having a perimeter that generally corresponds to a perimeter ofcage 2. This may have the advantage of significantly increasing the transmissibility of information to and fromimplant system 400 at deeper depths within the tissue of human anatomy. In the example embodiment, in a top-down plan view, the perimeter ofantenna 22 is slightly smaller than the perimeter ofcage 1 on account ofcage 1 generally surrounding antenna 22 (with the exception ofterminals -
FIGS. 17-22 illustrate a fifthspinal implant system 500.Spinal implant system 500 may include the same, similar, and/or substantially the same components and functionality as explained above with respect to implantsystems Spinal implant system 500 may be similar in principle and functionality tospinal implant system 300 shown inFIGS. 8-13 . For example, theelectronics portion 20 may be disposed inside of thegraft window 2 and include various geometrical protrusions that coordinate with geometrical indentations in the sidewall ofcage 1 as will be explained in further detail below. - Referring to the top-down view in
FIG. 18 and the partial exploded parts view inFIG. 19 , thehousing 21 is partly surrounded by a moldedantenna portion 22 having a size and shape that generally corresponds to the interior perimeter of the graft window 2 (see top-down view inFIG. 18 ). In various embodiments, moldedantenna 22 also has a U-like size and shape that generally corresponds to a size and shape of thehousing 21 in at least one direction. Furthermore, as seen best inFIG. 19 ,antenna 22 may include anaperture 45 having a size and shape generally corresponding to a size and shape ofprotrusion 42B ofhousing 21. - Referring to
FIG. 20 ,implant system 500 may include acage 1 having afixation aperture 3 in a first sidewall and a primary sensing slot 5 (also referred to as a primary cavity) in a second sidewall. In the example embodiment, thefixation aperture 3 andsensing slot 5 each extend through a corresponding sidewall ofcage 1 from thegraft window 2 to the outside. Adjacent to theprimary sensing slot 5, an uppersecondary sensing slot 9A and a lowersecondary sensing slot 9B are disposed adjacent to theprimary sensing slot 5. Referring back toFIG. 19 , it is shown that thehousing 21 may include asensing protrusion 40 having a size and shape corresponding to a size and shape of theprimary sensing slot 5. Similarly, thehousing 21 may include an uppersecondary protrusion 42A and a lowersecondary protrusion 42B having a size and shape corresponding to a size and shape of the uppersecondary sensing slot 9A and lowersecondary sensing slot 9B, respectively. This arrangement may be particularly advantageous at transmitting stress and strain experienced bycage 1 to thehousing 21 and the sensing components therein may thereby have a heightened accuracy of detection. - Referring to
FIGS. 21-22 , astrain gauge 32 may be disposed inside of thecavity 25 in the portion thereof corresponding to thesensing protrusion 40. In this embodiment thestrain gauge 32 may have a U-like shape corresponding in size and shape to thesensing protrusion 40. Additionally, in various embodiments thesensing protrusion 40 may include at least one raised rail and/orindented rail portion 41 extending along an outside surface of thesensing protrusion 40. As seen best inFIG. 20 the primary slottedaperture 5 may include an inferiorindented slot 6 and a superior indented slot 7 (not visible from this viewing angle). As explained previously with respect tosystem 300, theindented slots rail portions 41 of thehousing 21 such that therail portions 41 may be disposed inside ofslots aperture 5, protrudingportion 40,rail portion 41, andslots cage 1 to theu-shaped strain gauge 32. For example, theU-shaped strain gauge 32 may conform to the shape of the capsule or pill shapedprotrusion 40. - In this embodiment, the
electronics portion 20 may include ahousing 21 defining acavity 25 therein for housingvarious electronics components 30. In this embodiment, two distinct electronics components are shown as a circuit board that are in electrical communication withbattery 31,strain gauge 32, andantenna 22. Theelectronics components 30 may have great variability in the types of circuitry and hardware due to the relatively large size of thehousing 21 andcavity 25. Example electronics components may include a flexible circuit board providing an electrical connection between thebattery 31,strain gauge 32, and the various other electronics components. A non-limiting list of example electronics components may include an Application Specific Integrated Controller (ASIC) 34,micro controller 35, a wake-up sensor, a memory storage, an impedance sensor, and a temperature sensor. In at least one embodiment an impedance sensor protrudes into the graft window for assessing the status of a fusion process and a temperature sensor is disposed inside of thecavity 25. - It should be understood that various aspects disclosed herein may be combined in different combinations than the combinations specifically presented in the description and accompanying drawings. For example, features, functionality, and components from one embodiment may be combined with another embodiment and vice versa unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, features, functionality, and components may be omitted unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that, depending on the example, certain acts or events of any of the processes or methods described herein may be performed in a different sequence, may be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., all described acts or events may not be necessary to carry out the techniques).
- Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless otherwise specified, and that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Claims (20)
1. A load sensing spinal implant, comprising:
an interbody cage extending in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end and in a widthwise direction from a first lateral end to a second lateral end;
an electronics portion including a housing defining a sealed cavity for supporting an electronics assembly and a battery therein;
at least one antenna in electrical communication with the electronics assembly; and
at least one strain gauge configured to detect a localized force experienced by the interbody cage and being in electrical communication with the electronics assembly,
wherein the at least one antenna is configured to transmit information received from the at least one strain gauge to an external device.
2. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the at least one antenna is configured to utilize a Medical Implant Communication System (MICS) technology.
3. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the at least one antenna is configured to utilize a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) technology.
4. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the electronics portion is disposed inside of a graft window of the interbody cage.
5. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein an overmold is formed over the electronics portion.
6. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one pass through connection extends through a sidewall of the housing thereby placing the at least one antenna in electrical communication with the electronics assembly.
7. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the housing further comprises a cover configured to seal an opening of the cavity for placing the electronics assembly therein.
8. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the electronics assembly is coupled to an exposed side surface of the interbody cage.
9. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of: a temperature sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a gyroscope sensor, and an impedance sensor.
10. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the at least one strain gauge is disposed on an interior sidewall of a graft window of the interbody cage.
11. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the electronics assembly further comprises a wake-up sensor configured to power up the electronics assembly and cause the at least one antenna to initiate a transmission of information to the external device.
12. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the at least one strain gauge is disposed inside of the housing.
13. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the electronics portion is disposed inside of a graft window of the interbody cage and the housing comprises a primary protrusion that extends into a first cavity in a side wall of the graft window.
14. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 13 , wherein the housing comprises a secondary protrusion that extends into a second cavity in a sidewall of the graft window.
15. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the electronics portion is coupled to an interior sidewall of the interbody cage by a pin or a threaded screw.
16. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the at least one antenna has a size and shape that generally corresponds to at least one interior sidewall of a graft window of the interbody cage.
17. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the interbody cage is formed around the at least one antenna and, when viewed in plan view, the at least one antenna has a size and shape that generally corresponds to a size and shape of the interbody cage.
18. A load sensing spinal implant, comprising:
an interbody cage extending in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end and in a widthwise direction from a first lateral end to a second lateral end, the interbody cage including a graft window;
an electronics portion including a housing defining a sealed cavity for supporting an electronics assembly and a battery therein;
an overmold portion surrounding the electronics portion thereby forming a hermetic seal;
at least one antenna in electrical communication with the electronics assembly and having a size and shape that generally corresponds to a size and shape of at least one sidewall of the graft window; and
at least one strain gauge configured to detect a localized force experienced by the interbody cage and being in electrical communication with the electronics assembly,
wherein the at least one antenna is configured to transmit information received from the at least one strain gauge to an external device.
19. The load sensing spinal implant of claim 18 , wherein:
the at least one strain gauge is disposed outside of the housing and the overmold portion, and the overmold portion conforms to a size and shape of the graft window.
20. A load sensing spinal implant, comprising:
an interbody cage extending in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end and in a widthwise direction from a first lateral end to a second lateral end;
an electronics portion including a housing defining a sealed cavity for supporting an electronics assembly and a battery therein;
at least one antenna in electrical communication with the electronics assembly; and
at least one strain gauge configured to detect a localized force experienced by the interbody cage and being in electrical communication with the electronics assembly, wherein the at least one antenna is configured to transmit information received from the at least one strain gauge to an external device,
wherein the interbody cage comprises an exposed cavity at a distal end thereof having a curved sidewall, the electronics portion is disposed inside of the exposed cavity, and the housing conforms to the curved sidewall, and
wherein the at least one strain gauge is disposed inside of the housing and has a geometry corresponding to the curved sidewall.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18/068,140 US20230320863A1 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2022-12-19 | Spinal implants with active sensing capabilities |
PCT/IB2023/053707 WO2023199226A1 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2023-04-11 | Spinal implants with active sensing capabilities |
US18/542,249 US20240122720A1 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2023-12-15 | Intra-operative options for smart implants |
US18/542,215 US20240115206A1 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2023-12-15 | Alternative placement options for smart implants |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202263329982P | 2022-04-12 | 2022-04-12 | |
US18/068,140 US20230320863A1 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2022-12-19 | Spinal implants with active sensing capabilities |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/062,867 Continuation-In-Part US20230320760A1 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2022-12-07 | Spinal rod connecting components with active sensing capabilities |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/183,484 Continuation-In-Part US20230320654A1 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2023-03-14 | Spinal implants with electronics cartridge and externalized antenna |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20230320863A1 true US20230320863A1 (en) | 2023-10-12 |
Family
ID=86378269
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/062,867 Pending US20230320760A1 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2022-12-07 | Spinal rod connecting components with active sensing capabilities |
US18/068,140 Pending US20230320863A1 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2022-12-19 | Spinal implants with active sensing capabilities |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/062,867 Pending US20230320760A1 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2022-12-07 | Spinal rod connecting components with active sensing capabilities |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20230320760A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2023199225A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6485491B1 (en) | 2000-09-15 | 2002-11-26 | Sdgi Holdings, Inc. | Posterior fixation system |
US8057519B2 (en) | 2006-01-27 | 2011-11-15 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Multi-axial screw assembly |
US20210153909A1 (en) * | 2018-07-19 | 2021-05-27 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Modular set screw design for housing microelectronics |
-
2022
- 2022-12-07 US US18/062,867 patent/US20230320760A1/en active Pending
- 2022-12-19 US US18/068,140 patent/US20230320863A1/en active Pending
-
2023
- 2023-04-11 WO PCT/IB2023/053705 patent/WO2023199225A1/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2023199225A1 (en) | 2023-10-19 |
US20230320760A1 (en) | 2023-10-12 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11298162B2 (en) | Load sensing assembly for a spinal implant | |
EP3319560B1 (en) | Spinal implant system | |
US11589905B2 (en) | Set screw sensor placement | |
US11529208B2 (en) | Break-off set screw | |
US11707299B2 (en) | Antenna placement for a digital set screw | |
EP3615135B1 (en) | Spinal implant system | |
US20210153909A1 (en) | Modular set screw design for housing microelectronics | |
US20230320863A1 (en) | Spinal implants with active sensing capabilities | |
WO2023199226A1 (en) | Spinal implants with active sensing capabilities | |
US11517398B2 (en) | Energy transfer system for spinal implants | |
US11382512B2 (en) | Energy transfer system for spinal implants | |
US20230320654A1 (en) | Spinal implants with electronics cartridge and externalized antenna | |
WO2023199232A1 (en) | Spinal rod connecting components with active sensing capabilities | |
US20240115206A1 (en) | Alternative placement options for smart implants | |
EP4282358A1 (en) | Modular set screw design for housing microelectronics and lateral coil antenna | |
US20220273391A1 (en) | Modular set screw design for housing microelectronics and lateral coil antenna | |
US20240122720A1 (en) | Intra-operative options for smart implants | |
US11311315B2 (en) | Multi-plate capacitive assembly for a spinal implant | |
US11915089B2 (en) | Faraday cage for digital set screw probe reader |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC., INDIANA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:METCALF, NEWTON H.;SIBY-KURIAN, ARJUN;DACE, MARK C.;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20221216 TO 20221217;REEL/FRAME:062144/0504 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |